Larry L. Simmons Sr

Larry was a devoted Christian, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He passed away surrounded by his family on November 12, 2023 at age of 85.

He graduated from Topeka High School in 1956, continuing with his education at Washburn University. He married Merlene Young on June 18, 1961, she preceded him in death on December 21,2019.

Larry was drafted into the Army in Aug. 1961. He was a medical specialist, stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. He was honorably discharged in Aug. 1963 and returned to Topeka, with his wife and first son.

Larry went to work for Santa Fe railway as a rail rate analyst. He retired in 1999 after 36 years of service. During this time, Larry juggled many part time jobs, including preaching at several towns in NE Kansas, volunteer EMT in Harveyville, KS, short order cook at Bobo`s drive in and paper routes for the Topeka Capital Journal. After retiring from Santa Fe he volunteered at St. Francis Hospital and Stormont Vail, with Merlene.

Larry was a member of Quivira Heights Church of Christ, baptized into the church in 1958. Larry served as a deacon from 1971 – 1975. He was very active in the church, which included song leader as well as other duties. He relocated to Harveyville, KS in 1975 where he was full time evangelist at the Harveyville and Wilmington Churches of Christ before moving back to Topeka.

Larry loved K-state sports, KC Chiefs and Royals. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by Larry Simmons Jr, Overland Park, Lorne Simmons, Tallahassee, FL, Jared Simmons (spouse Jessica), Topeka, D’Amber Mauer (spouse Adam), Topeka, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In Lieu of Flowers the family requesting donations to Helping Hands Humane Society of Topeka and Milestones.org.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, November 17th at 2pm at Quivira Heights Church of Christ.